ABSTRACT
From 2012/2014, after the construction of the Bioenergy plant, sugarcane planting was advanced in pasture areas near the plant, altering the trend previously observed. There is an indication that, if the most recent pattern prevails, the expansion of sugarcane to ethanol may occur through expansion in pasture areas. The sugarcane area in 2012/2014 was estimated at approximately 312,000 ha, representing only 0.3% of the Colombian territory. The methodology consists of a logical sequence of updating, elaboration, overlapping and interpretation of satellite images, maps and databases with different characteristics to identify geographies with good potential for sustainable sugarcane ethanol production. It should be emphasized that in the Llanos Orientales, it is possible that the expansion of sugarcane culture occurs in the extensive areas of underutilized pasture. And projects such as the use of hydrolyzed bagasse combined or not with the intensification of agriculture with integrated systems can, in the end, even increase the production of meat considering the same area.
